Synopsis
Summary For everyone who appreciates and admires the appeal of the western lifestyle-like the Rockies themselves- and the pleasure of preparing a meal or a party that is at once chic and outdoorsy, the editors of Colorado Cravings present innkeeper Gail Riley s secrets to gracefully rustic entertaining, decorating and dining. Twenty-eight years of the award-winning Highland Haven Creekside Inn have given birth to this rich collection including inspirations that recreate the true feel of the west. Gail will bring you into a world of of stylish inn keeping and hosting in Rocky Mountain high style. Designed seasonally with creative can-do menus in a Colorado-chic style you will swoon over the A River Runs Through It fly-fishing summertime party with Bear Creek Smoked Trout Pate, Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes and Spiked Chunky Watermelon. The techniques are not tedious or pretentious but warm and stylish with much room for personal creativity. Here there are the ways to make the rocky mountain style your own and be the innkeeper of your home . Gail s well-honed skills have proven to be successful for seasons filled with romance, nature and celebrations. Meet Howard and Mollie at the Sweetheart Tree. Married 65 years and coming year after year, the inn speaks to them of a kinder and gentler time inspiring Gail s Dinner of Romance or the intimate Picnic for Just You Two. The bevy of brunch offerings will make your mouths water; Miriam s Eggs Eisenhower, Orange Pecan baked French Toast with a Ramos Fizz Cocktail will inspire you to try the next Sunday. Colorful photography, original watercolor artwork, quotes of note and touches of history pepper the beauty of this inspired book, All recipes are drawn from actual parties and meals prepared at the inn. Try the High Altitude Tea Party sans the stiff traditions; time tested the Chive Egg Salad tea sandwiches of size, Cherry Chocolate Scones, Cranberry tartlets with simply sumptuous ingredients all started with the Viva Glam Champagne cocktail toast to put you and your guests at ease. Add your towns own local specialty foods to make it your own and impress all. Your girlfriends and family will love this celebration and come to expect the tradition each year. You heart will sing and your creative spirits will be lifted as you gather the ingredients from the woods to decorate your beautiful flower boxes from autumn through winter. Build a Snow Bear with your little ones with a treat of Minty Cocoa and Eliza s Homemade Graham Crackers to warm your toes and hearts. All marked with a sense of imagination and generosity, you will return to this book time and time again. Bring the Rocky Mountain mystique into your home for a brand of living that is rich in beauty and full of personal satisfaction.
About the Author
The Author The award-winning Highland Haven Creekside Inn has been the focus of Gail Riley and her husband Tom Statzell s creativity for nearly 30 years. Like countless others before and after them, the Indiana natives visited Colorado, fell in love with the majestic mountains and deep blue sky, and decided to make this stunning state their home. On a whim, they told the owner of the quaint but modest creekside motel where they were staying, Call us if you ever want to sell this place. They bought the inn and went to work, opening for business in 1979. The transformation from a no-frills, summer-only motel to a high-end, year-round bed and breakfast began in earnest when Tom and Gail bought out their partners in 1987. Room by room, the couple began to upgrade the property, their skills complementing each other perfectly. Tom put his love of woodworking into action while Gail honed her business skills by overseeing the staff and handling all the marketing duties. Her degree in fine art and graphic design from Purdue University came in handy as well. She decorated each of the inn s 17 rooms, suites and cottage and oversaw design of the inn s collateral material and website. In 2003, she designed and wrote a cookbook featuring the inn s signature recipes. A highly energetic woman who is passionate about her work, writing Colorado Cravings, Recipes and Romance from the award-winning HihglandHaven Creekside Inn is a natural next step in Gail s creative journey. She has been sharing her Colorado chic entertaining, decorating and living ideas for years, speaking eloquently to individuals, business and social groups, and the media. Gail realized that her audience was larger than this. She knew it was time to put her award -winning formula down in a book. The business and marketing savvy Gail has demonstrated in her ability to so successfully market the Highland Haven will naturally translate to her ability to market her book. Taking a roadside motel with a modest 2 diamond AAA rating to one of the nations best has been accomplished with intent and sensitivity to the desires of the traveling public. Occupancy at the Highland Haven is up significantly as a romantic and business destination getaway. Hits on the upscale web site reflect the success of the Inn. Gail thinks outside the box, successfully marketing the inn not only as a summer vacation destination, but also as a desirable getaway for all four seasons, as well as the perfect site for social events such as weddings and family reunions, and for business events such as retreats and conferences. She stays ahead of every trend, offering the discriminating traveler a full homemade and memorable breakfast each and every morning. Jacuzzis, hot tubs and a host of packages to address every need, from romance to all corporate demands. Filming by NBC Dateline will be completed spring of 2005. The Highland Haven is consistently recognized for excellence both locally and nationally. It has been named Best Mountain Bed & Breakfast and among the 10 Best Romantic Getaways by Mountain Living, a national magazine. In 2005 Best Mountain Secret was awarded by 5280 Magazine. Gail has a relationship with several editors of publications including Mountain Living who would consider promoting the book. Additionally, Arrington s Bed & Breakfast Journal consistently names the inn one of the country s top 15 B&BS. Gail s passion transcends her work at the Highland Haven. She has long been a leader in the community, serving on the boards of several prestigious business and art organizations. These experiences have molded her into an articulate and charming speaker, skills she has parlayed into numerous newspaper, magazine and television interviews. The 27 years of creating, inventing and re-inventing her inn has resulted in success.
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